It is with much disappointment that our Young Artist Competition 2021 will be held only virtually and by video submission, due to ongoing COVID restrictions.
Unfortunately we are NOT able to offer our winning student the opportunity to perform as soloist with the PSO in 2021, as we are not yet able to gather for concerts. We are acutely aware of the many opportunities our young musicians have to miss due to the ongoing health crisis and we are very sorry this is one of them.
We are offering a cash award of $500 to the First Prize winner.
The winning video will be featured on our website and will be shared with our audience via email and social media posts.
We look forward to your videos. Good luck to all!
Each year the PSO recognizes an outstanding young artist residing within New Hampshire or the Seacoast region of Maine and Massachusetts (from Beverly to York). Open to high school orchestral instrumentalists including piano, guitar and saxophone, the Concerto Competition winner will perform their selection during the orchestra’s final concert of the season.
How to apply:
- print the application here: Young-Artist-Competition 2021 and send completed form by regular mail, or email to aubrie.dionne@portsmouthsymphony.org (please put Young Artist Competition in the subject line)
- Submit video link of contestant with accompaniment
- Sealed letter of recommendation from current or most recent instructor (email from instructor is acceptable)
- $25 non-refundable application fee made out to Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra (application fee can be waived; if in need please contact PSO)
Applicant must perform a single movement or equivalent (approximate guideline: 8-12 minutes) of a concerto with standard orchestra. The orchestral accompaniment must be available on IMSLP. Please email with questions about these requirements.
Postmarked or emailed no later than Friday, April 23rd, 2021, to:
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Att: Competition
PO Box 8391, Portsmouth, NH 03802
All video submissions will be viewed by a panel of judges, and the winner will be selected, notified, and announced by May 8th, 2021.
Pictured is 2019-2020 winner Maxine Park.
